Job Description
Security Consultant – Public Sector & Defence
Location: UK-wide (flexible with client travel)
Salary: £45,000 – £66,000 (outside London) | £50,000 – £70,000 (London) + package
Clearance: Must be eligible for SC (5 years continuous UK history + sole British nationality)
About the Role
This is a security consulting role focused on large-scale transformation programmes across UK government, defence, and health. You’ll be embedded in complex environments where security is not theoretical, it directly impacts national infrastructure and public services.
You’re not just reviewing controls. You’re shaping how secure systems are designed from the ground up.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll operate across multiple client engagements, typically as part of wider transformation programmes:
* Designing security architectures across cloud, network, and enterprise systems
* Advising on secure design, risk, and compliance across complex IT estates
* Applying frameworks like ISO 27001, NIST, GDPR, PCI-DSS in real environments
* Running threat modelling and identifying architectural vulnerabilities
* Working closely with architects, engineers, and stakeholders to influence secure solutions
* Translating technical risk into clear business impact
This is hands-on consulting, not policy-only work.
What They’re Actually Hiring For
* Solid grounding in cybersecurity principles and risk management
* Experience contributing to secure architecture or solution design
* Exposure to areas like IAM/IDAM, PAM, SSO, network security, encryption
* Understanding of infrastructure, cloud, or enterprise systems
* Ability to operate in client-facing environments and communicate clearly
Nice to have, but not essential:
* Cloud or network security hands-on experience
* Certifications like CISSP, SABSA
* Existing SC clearance
Environment & Work Style
* Consulting-led: multiple clients, varied challenges
* Heavy focus on public sector, defence, and national-scale programmes
* Exposure to modern cloud and enterprise security technologies
* Strong learning curve with access to experienced security specialists
You’ll be expected to adapt quickly and operate in ambiguity. This isn’t a static environment.
Why This Role Is Worth Considering
* You get exposure to high-impact, complex security challenges most engineers don’t see
* Strong pathway into security architecture and senior consulting roles
* Work that directly contributes to national infrastructure and public services
* Broad technical exposure across cloud, enterprise, and regulatory security
Clearance Reality
You must be eligible for SC clearance:
* Sole British nationality
* 5 years continuous UK address history
* No long periods (30+ consecutive days) spent outside the UK
This is a solid entry into security consulting for someone who already understands core security principles and wants to step into architecture and advisory work. You’re not boxed into one technology or one environment. Instead, you gain exposure to complex, real-world systems across government and defence, where the stakes are high and the work has tangible impact.